Thorin Klosowski

No matter how smart you think you are, communicating with your significant other is never easy. That said, it's not impossible, and according to The Wall Street Journal you can improve your communication with just a few tips.

The idea here is that men and women communicate a little differently, but that doesn't mean both genders can't take The Wall Street Journal's advice as a whole:

FOR MENWhen you are listening

Don't think about what you are going to say next while the other person is talking.

Ask follow-up questions. This demonstrates that you care.

Consider how the other person wants you to respond.

When you are speaking

Don't give advice until asked.

Try to identify some of your emotions and take a chance: Express them!

FOR WOMENWhen you are listening

Don't get upset if the other person seems curt, especially in email or text. This can be simply a matter of style.

Draw someone out with empathic guesses. 'I imagine you were frustrated.'

Tell him how you want him to respond. 'More than advice, I need you to just listen.'

It's a pretty simple set of communication guidelines and if nothing else should give you the time to work through those miscommunications a little more cleanly. Head over to The Wall Street Journal for a few more tips.